For students entering 9th grade and all who want
to be ready to succeed at work or in college, consider these benefits
of career and technical education (CTE) at IDEA:

The Academy offers CTE pathways for high school
students in grades 10 through 12 and sponsors introductory projects
and activities for students in grade 9. In addition to core academic
courses, Academy students participate in technical classes and hands-on
building projects to put their lessons into action.

For Students: Prepare now for
a brighter future. It will soon be time to think about what you
want to do after high school. The Academy can help you find out
about careers you want to explore and how to get there.

For Parents: The Academy of
Construction and Design encourages students to stay in school and
graduate with knowledge and skills that are in demand. The Academy
offers STEM-focused classes in a supportive learning environment
to maximize every student’s learning potential. The Academy
works closely with employers to give students well-rounded learning
experiences inside and outside the classroom, including internships,
field training, mentoring, and networking for career success.

For Employers and Training Partners: The
Academy of Construction and Design answers an urgent need for work-ready
trainees and instruction to develop the next generation of industry
professionals. In the Academy, students gain critical knowledge
from career-focused curriculum, real life design/build projects,
and an innovative life skills training program that emphasizes writing,
interviewing, and communication skills to help students succeed
in school and on the job.

National research reveals significant benefits
for CTE students. A video report from Telos Educational Services,
Success in the New Economy, shows why the emphasis
on “college for all” is failing many students. At a
time when rising costs threaten to put college out of reach for
many students, CTE pathways provide good jobs that can pay the way
to further education, according to Career
and Technical Education: Five Ways That Pay Along the Way to the
B.A, a study released by Georgetown University’s
Center on Education and the Workforce.

Academy Curriculum

NCCER Curriculum, a nationally accredited construction
training program, provides the basis for learning and assessment
in the Academy of Construction and Design.

Foundation Course – Building and
Construction Overview
An introductory course designed to give students hands-on experience
and information about career paths in the construction industry
with emphasis on carpentry, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing.

Pathways
Students specialize in a technical pathway of their choice in a
2.5 year program with 5.5 semester credits in coursework and an
internship. Students who complete the Pathways curriculum earn credentials
that are recognized by the Associated Builders and Contractors apprenticeship
program for the State of Maryland and the DC Apprenticeship Academy’s
registered apprenticeship program for the District of Columbia.
NCCER provides transcripts and documentation of students’
training accomplishments through its National Registry.

Academic Foundation Certificate (AFC)
Students receive credentials from the nationally accredited NCCER
and their National Registry. Students receive transcripts, wallet
cards and certificates that can be verified by current or future
employers. These credentials open doors to employment, on-the-job
training, and higher education for graduates.